An interesting cast of characters has been assembled for this farcical caper comedy that, to quote a popular phrase, "has been ripped from the headlines of today's news.”Alan Alda stars as Arthur Shaw, a rich, slick Wall Street investor who has stolen millions from his clients in a massive Ponzi scheme. Ben Stiller is Josh Kovacs, a manager at the posh New York Cit Towers, where he caters to Shaw's every needs. Josh is so trusting of Shaw that he invests the employees' pension fund with him.When Shaw is exposed and dozens of lives are shattered, Josh decides to rob Shaw's penthouse apartment, locate his secret stash and make everything right with the investors. He gathers a team of unlikely accomplices and develops an intricate plan, which involves many twists, turns and surprises, some to the point of being a bit out of control.Casey Affleck plays the expectant father who undergoes a number of anxiety attacks along the way. Michael Pena is the newly hired elevator operator. Matthew Broderick is the former trader who lost all his money and is facing eviction. They recruit a loud-mouthed street criminal (Eddie Murphy) to train and assist them.They know that Shaw must have stashed away millions in his apartment. But where?The caper runs into all kinds of problems, most involving a red Ferrari that Shaw had disassembled and reassembled in his living room. The heist takes place during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, allowing some terrific shots.It is all a bit silly, and Murphy may get on your nerves at times, but the non-stop action is fun to watch. Suspend your beliefs and just go along with the fun. You could do worse.Rated PG-13, with some violence and profanity.

Showcase raises prices

As of today, the Tuesday bargain specials at Showcase Cinemas have been increased from $6 to $7 and the Wednesday Senior specials from $4.50 to $5.50. The Silver Screen Classics on Mondays at 1 p.m. remain at $2, which includes a small drink and popcorn.